WASHINGTON — Union members spent much of Wednesday hounding Gov. Bill Ritter as he attended high-dollar fundraisers here. They were hoping to hit the Democrat where it hurts as he gears up for re-election in 2010.

A group of about 40 firefighters and grocery workers, angry at Ritter's recent veto of a pair of pro-labor bills, started the day by picketing the capital offices of the BGR Group, an influential lobbying firm, shouting slogans as startled commuters walked past.

Ritter never appeared, apparently arriving through another entrance. The event was hosted by, among others, Jonathan Mantz, the former finance director of Hillary Rodham Clinton's presidential campaign.

Union members were at it again around midday, picketing a luxury hotel in the capital's Chinatown district. Donors were asked to give as much as $1,050 apiece. This second fundraiser was hosted by Richard Sullivan, a high-powered Washington lobbyist and Democratic rainmaker.

Facing what is likely to be a tough re-election in 2010, Ritter was in full fundraising mode, and the workers hoped to disrupt what was meant to be private events by shouting through bullhorns and handing out fliers on the streets outside.

"We're a little upset," said Aurora firefighter Steve Clapham, complaining that Ritter recently vetoed a collective-bargaining bill for the firefighters. Clapham was one of six Coloradans flown in by local unions for the picket.

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(Ritter also vetoed a bill that would have made it easier for workers to receive unemployment benefits if they were locked out during a strike.)

"It's a matter of integrity as far as we're concerned," Clapham said.

David Kenney, Ritter's campaign manager, said the governor supports workers but that "sometimes leadership means saying no to your friends."

"When (Ritter) makes decisions, he acts in what he thinks is the best interest of the entire state of Colorado," Kenney said.

Angry unions have proved that they could be a formidable foe to a sitting governor with whom they disagree. A California nurses union hounded Arnold Schwarzenegger for months in 2004 over a decision about staffing levels in hospitals, heckling him at event after event.

Kenney said he doesn't believe that's likely to happen with Ritter.

"There is a lot more that we agree on than we disagree on," he said. "Over time I hope that anxiety goes away."

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